Pulmonary atelectasis is a respiratory complication that prevents enough air from passing through due to the collapse of the pulmonary alveoli. This usually occurs in cases of cystic fibrosis, lung tumors or when the lung fills with fluid due to a violent blow to the chest, for example.
Depending on the number of alveoli affected, the feeling of dyspnoea may be more or less intense and therefore treatment may also vary depending on the intensity of symptoms.
- However.
- In all cases.
- If atelectasia is suspected.
- It is recommended to go quickly to the hospital.
- To confirm the diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment.
- Because if the lung is still affected.
- There may be a risk of death.
The most common symptoms of atelectasis include
Atelectasis usually occurs in people who are already hospitalized, such as a complication of their health, however, if you have any of these symptoms, it is very important to inform your doctor or nurse immediately.
If atelectasis is suspected, your doctor may order several tests, such as chest x-rays, CT scans, oximetry, and bronchoscopy, to confirm the presence of collapsed pulmonary alveoli.
Atelectasis usually occurs when a pathway in the lung is blocked or there is excessive pressure outside the alveoli. Problems that can result in such changes include:
In addition, after surgery, it is also common for atelectasia to occur, as the effect of anesthetic may cause some alveoli to decrease. However, in these cases, a fan is used to ensure that air enters the lungs correctly.
Treatment of atelecsia is based on the cause and severity of symptoms and, in milder cases, no therapy may even be necessary. If symptoms are more severe, breathing exercises may be used to try to open the pulmonary alveoli, such as coughing, breathing deeply, or slightly touching the affected area to release the buildup of secretions.
In the most severe cases, surgery, airway cleaning, or even removal of the affected part of the lung may be necessary to get it back working properly.
Whenever there is an identifiable cause of atelectasis, such as a tumor or the presence of fluid in the lungs, the problem should always be treated to ensure that atelectasis does not occur again.